Best lakes around Staverton, Gloucestershire, include a mix of reservoirs, park lakes, and village ponds. The area is characterized by its natural landscapes, offering opportunities for walking and enjoying waterside environments. These water bodies are often surrounded by woodlands and countryside, providing diverse settings for outdoor activities. Staverton's location allows access to both larger reservoirs and smaller, community-focused ponds.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Dowdeswell Reservoir is a scenic stretch of water on the outskirts of Cheltenham. From the reservoir, you step straight into Dowdeswell Woods; a nature reserve that’s home to many species of plants and animals. Keep a lookout for birds including coot, moorhen, great crested grebe and little grebe.
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Hatherley Park is a lovely Park to stroll around either by yourself or with family and friends. Great for walking the dog.
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A great cycleway through the very beautiful Pittville Park... lots of pedestrians and dogs to avoid, but a great way to go and an even better place to plan as a spot to take a break.
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A lovely reservoir set amongst the Gloucestershire countryside. Witcombe Reservoir is surrounded by woodland and just a stone's throw from the ancient Great Witcombe Roman Villa.
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A lovely village pond next to the church with a green shaded by a huge willow. A great place to stop for a break.
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Great afternoon in the woods. Quite a few trees downed by winds and heard one crash whilst on my walk , so caution. Paths very muddy due to logging vehicles.
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Lovely area to walk, along footpaths through the woods and along the water.
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Around Staverton, Gloucestershire, you'll discover a mix of reservoirs, park lakes, and village ponds. These include larger man-made structures like Dowdeswell Reservoir and smaller, tranquil settings such as Apperley Village Pond.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Pond in Hatherley Park offers a pleasant environment for strolls and is suitable for walking dogs. Pittville Park Lake is also very popular, featuring a path for running and plenty of benches.
For scenic walks, Dowdeswell Reservoir is an excellent choice. It's a beautiful stretch of water on the outskirts of Cheltenham, connecting directly to Dowdeswell Woods, a nature reserve. Witcombe Reservoir also offers lovely walks amidst the Gloucestershire countryside.
Many of the lakes around Staverton are dog-friendly. For example, Pond in Hatherley Park is noted as great for walking the dog. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding dogs, especially around nature reserves or protected wildlife areas.
The lakes and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. At Dowdeswell Reservoir, you can spot various birds like coot, moorhen, great crested grebe, and little grebe. The adjacent Dowdeswell Woods nature reserve is home to many species of plants and animals.
Beyond walking, the Staverton area offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes, gravel biking, and general cycling routes. Explore options like the 'St John’s Church loop' for easy hikes or various routes for gravel biking and cycling around the region. For more details, check out the guides for Easy hikes around Staverton, Gravel biking around Staverton, and Cycling around Staverton.
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. Pittville Park Lake has a nice path perfect for running or a leisurely stroll. Hatherley Park also provides a pleasant and easy environment for walks. For more options, you can look into the Easy hikes around Staverton guide.
Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility. They enjoy the well-maintained paths for running and walking, the peaceful atmosphere for relaxing, and the opportunities to observe wildlife. The presence of benches to sit and enjoy the view, as well as the family-friendly nature of many parks, are frequently highlighted.
The lakes are enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather for longer strolls, while autumn brings beautiful colors to the surrounding woodlands, particularly around places like Dowdeswell Reservoir. Winter walks can be crisp and refreshing, especially around the reservoirs.
Yes, near Witcombe Reservoir, you're just a stone's throw from the ancient Great Witcombe Roman Villa. Additionally, Apperley Village Pond is located next to a charming church, offering a glimpse into local heritage.
Many parks and reservoirs, such as Hatherley Park, offer dedicated parking facilities. For other locations, street parking might be available nearby, but it's always advisable to check local signage upon arrival for specific parking regulations and availability.
While specific cafes or pubs directly adjacent to every lake are not detailed, the lakes are generally located near towns and villages like Cheltenham and Apperley, which offer various amenities including cafes, pubs, and restaurants for refreshments after your visit.
Walks around the lakes can vary in length. For instance, Pittville Park Lake offers a path suitable for a 5k park run, while strolls around village ponds like Apperley Village Pond are shorter and more leisurely. You can find easy hikes ranging from 4.5 km to 7.5 km in the area, as detailed in the Easy hikes around Staverton guide.


Still not found your perfect lake around Staverton? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.